(ThyBlackMan.com) As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I hope you will take time to identify the many reasons you have to be thankful. No matter your circumstances, there is always something for which to give thanks. This week, I invite you to look at the most difficult or challenging areas of your life and find a reason to be thankful. What causes you the most stress, sadness or frustration in your life right now? Perhaps it is a relationship, a job, or lack thereof, a health problem, financial stress, or a loved one who is suffering. Whatever you identify, I challenge you to find something about the situation that you can be thankful for. Consider these thoughts on living a rich and fulfilling life:
1. TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED.
It is so tempting to complain in difficult situations, but don’t fall into the trap of taking for granted the blessings you experience daily, even in challenging times. Take note of the things in life you may never have had to worry about. For example, I am grateful for my ability to see, walk, read, and eat. These may sound basic, but they are blessings that not everyone enjoys. 
2. NOTICE THE ABUNDANCE OF BLESSINGS IN YOUR LIFE.
Make a list of the things you are most thankful for, and keep it somewhere visible. This way, you will be continually reminded of how rich your life is with experiences, people, and opportunities.
3. SEEK OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE.
When you get up every morning, ask yourself, “How can I be a blessing today?” Seek opportunities to share what you know, who you are and what you have. This could be as simple as a word of encouragement to a friend who needs it or letting someone in, in traffic. Or maybe it’s time to give money or your time in a meaningful way. When you seek ways to give, you find that you often don’t have to work as hard to get what you want.
5. ENJOY YOUR LIFE.
One of the best ways to demonstrate an attitude of thankfulness is to enjoy your life. When we maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity, we walk the walk of thankfulness. Enjoy what you have right now. You may not have everything you’d like to have in your life at this moment, but make a choice to be thankful for the blessings that exist in your life right now.
Written by Valorie Burton
Official website; http://www.ValorieBurton.com
